Monday, October 18, 2010

Livestrong

Oct 18, 2010

Overview

Hummus is a creamy spread made from chickpeas, tahini, oil and various spices and seasonings. It can be used as a dip forvegetablesor spread on crackers for a snack. Many varieties and flavors of hummus are sold in the United States. Two well-known producers are Athenos and Sabra, both of which make a line of hummus products that includes original hummus with no added flavors.

Serving Size

The stated serving size for both Athenos Original Hummus and Sabra Classic Hummus is 2 tbsp. You can use that serving size as a frame of reference when considering the calorie count and other nutritional values. Americans often eat food portions that are larger than the serving size, and you will need to factor this in if you do so, the USDA advises. Also consider the calorie count of the food you eat with hummus.

Calories

A serving of the Athenos Original Hummus contains 50 calories, 25 of which come fromfat, while Sabra Classic Hummus has 70 calories, 55 of which come from fat, according to the products'nutritionfacts labels. For a 2,000-calorie diet, a serving of the Athenos hummus represents 2.5 percent of your total daily intake. The Sabra hummus is equal to 3.5 percent.

Sodium

Both hummus products will increase your daily sodium intake. The Sabra hummus has 120 mg of sodium per serving, which is 5 percent of the maximum recommended daily intake. The Athenos hummus has 160 mg per serving, or 7 percent of the maximum intake. Your daily sodium intake should be no more than 2,400 mg to help protect against conditions such as hypertension, the USDA advises.

Carbohydrates

Hummus contains only a small amount of carbohydrates. A serving of the Athenos hummus has 5 g of total carbohydrates, equal to 2 percent of the recommended daily intake, while the Sabra hummus contains 4 g of total carbs, or 1 percent of the recommended intake. The carbs in the Athenos hummus include less than 1 g of dietary fiber and less than 1 g of sugars, while the Sabra hummus contains 1 g of dietary fiber and no sugar.

Protein

Both hummus brands contain a small amount of protein: 2 g per serving in Sabra Classic Hummus and 1 g per serving in Athenos Original Hummus. The USDA's Dietary Guidelines do not set a daily intake recommendation for protein because of its prevalence in the American diet, the FDA reports.

Vitamins and Minerals

Hummus is not a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, but each product does contain a small amount of one nutrient. A 2-tbsp. serving of Sabras Classic Hummus contains 2 percent of the recommended daily intake for iron. The Athenos Original Hummus contains 2 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C in each servingCarbohydrates

Hummus contains only a small amount of carbohydrates. A serving of the Athenos hummus has 5 g of total carbohydrates, equal to 2 percent of the recommended daily intake, while the Sabra hummus contains 4 g of total carbs, or 1 percent of the recommended intake. The carbs in the Athenos hummus include less than 1 g of dietary fiber and less than 1 g of sugars, while the Sabra hummus contains 1 g of dietary fiber and no sugar.

Protein

Both hummus brands contain a small amount of protein: 2 g per serving in Sabra Classic Hummus and 1 g per serving in Athenos Original Hummus. The USDA's Dietary Guidelines do not set a daily intake recommendation for protein because of its prevalence in the American diet, the FDA reports.

Vitamins and Minerals

Hummus is not a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, but each product does contain a small amount of one nutrient. A 2-tbsp. serving of Sabras Classic Hummus contains 2 percent of the recommended daily intake for iron. The Athenos Original Hummus contains 2 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C in each serving